Norfolk Southern Delivered Wind Turbines to North Carolina

Norfolk Southern delivered the large-scale movement of 160 wind turbine components for an Apex Clean Energy facility in North Carolina in a timely fashion, coordinating it safely across a difficult route. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The 189 MW project comprises 45 Vestas turbines and covers an area of 780 hectares. But…the scale of the towers and nacelles meant careful logistics and delicate treatment of the gigantic structures.

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The route passed through ten U.S. states. At the same time, company specialists scanned all features on the railway route for the oversized cargo using lidar scanning methods.

In Morehead City, we had to coordinate with city services. And so the council temporarily removed road signs and changed the direction of traffic to allow the train, carrying the abnormal load, to safely come through.

In the last mile, Carolina Coastal Railway provided the unloading and final-maneuver support delivering straight to the construction site. The project is the biggest joint venture in the renewable energy sector between Norfolk Southern and Vestas.

Norfolk Southern & Renewable Energy Development

The firm is involved in moving equipment for green energy projects throughout the United States. “At the same time, these types of operations underscore the strategic role that rail plays in the development of the country’s energy infrastructure.”

Logistics of Norfolk Southern’s Component Hauling

Good planning is essential for the transportation of wind turbines. As such, advanced technologies such as, for example, lidar scanning and special tracks are employed to ensure safety and viability of large structures during railroad transportation.

What was Norfolk Southern’s role in the project?

Norfolk Southern coordinated the moving of 160 massive wind turbine components to North Carolina, delivering securely and on time for the Apex Clean Energy power site.

Why was the evacuation complex?

The power of the components became so large that lidar route scanning and close coordination with municipal authorities were required to avoid obstacles and successfully deliver the oversize parts.

What equipment was applied during transportation?

The application of Lidar scanning, bespoke rail platforms and meticulous timing alongside local services was critical to ensuring the safe movement of oversized equipment.

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